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Welcome to Close Call Sports. CCS objectively tracks and analyzes close and controversial calls in sport, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game. Developed from The Left Field Corner: MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (UEFL), whose purpose is to objectively track and analyze umpire ejections, video instant replay reviews and their corresponding calls, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game.

Friday, November 2, 2012

NPB Japan Series Ejection: Koichi Yanada (Danger Pitch)

HP Umpire Koichi Yanada ejected Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Kazahito Tadano for throwing a dangerous pitch (compare with: MLB/OBR 8.02(d), Intentionally Pitch at the Batter) in the top of the 4th inning of Game 5 of the NPB's Japan Series between the Yomiuri Giants and Fighters. With none out and one on, Giants batter Ken Kato attempted to retract a bunt attempt on a first pitch fastball thrown inside. Replays indicate the initial ruling of foul ball was correct. However, Kato fell to the ground and acted as he had been hit by the pitch, ultimately resulting in his award of first base and Tadano's expulsion for the up-and-in pitch. At the time of the ejection, the Giants were leading, 5-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 10-2.

Trivia: Fighters Manager Hideki Kuriyama and Umpire Yanada are former teammates (Yakult Swallows, 1980s). Said Kuriyama, "[Yanada] is so serious and works hard ... It's not like the umpires can't make mistakes. They are doing their best."

There's something refreshing about the politeness of the Fighters coach, he gets dumped on with a guy who faked the HBP, says he looked at the instant replay, but said he'd never dare bring it to the umpire's attention because it would be "cheating."